EFCC/ DSS: NCS denies alleged attempt to abduct Emefiele from custodial centre (Sun)
Nigeria Correctional Service ( NCS) has said there was no attempt by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allegedly abduct former Central Bank Governor ( CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, from the Kuje Custodial Centre.
The Comptroller General, NCS, Haliru Nababa, stated this, yesterday, when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, over a petition by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency( CESJET) alleging that the EFCC and DSS allegedly attempted to forcefully remove Emefiele from custody.
Nababa, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General in Charge of Operations, Nwakeze Emmanuel, told the panel that the service was not aware of any such attempt. Read more
Those opposing restructuring don’t understand it – Olu Falae (DailyTrust)
Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Minister of Finance, has said that those who oppose restructuring don’t understand what it means.
Falae stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
He said that restructuring would redistribute powers and responsibilities and resources among the various levels of government and communities in Nigeria. Read more
Kaduna Bombing: Sanwo-Olu sympathises with Gov Sani, victims’ families (Tribune)
Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathised with his Kaduna State counterpart, Senator Uba Sani, over the recent military drone strike that led to the death of civilians at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who also sympathised with the Kaduna State government, the immediate families of victims and the entire people of the State over the sad incident, in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the episode as disheartening and unfortunate, wishing the people of Kaduna State, peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the military drone strike that killed some civilians who gathered for a religious celebration over the weekend at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna. Read more
LCCI elects president (Punch)
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has elected Gabriel Idahosa as President and Chairman of the Council.
According to the statement from the Chamber on Thursday, Idahosa’s election followed the expiration of Michael Olawale-Cole’s tenure, having meritoriously served the Chamber in the same capacity.
“The emergence of Idahosa, President and Chairman of the Council of LCCI, is in recognition of his contribution and commitment to the ideals of the Chamber movement, its public policy advocacy, and the protection of the interests of the Nigerian business community,” the statement added. Read more
LASU VC spits fire against gender based violence (Independent)
Prof Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU) has, for the umpteenth time, sounded another stern warning to perpetrators of any form of gender-based violence against her female students or even workers.
She re-emphasised that her administration does not only maintain zero-tolerance for such vices but will invoke the full weight of the law on anyone caught and adjudged guilty, no matter the social status of the perpetrator.
Prof Tunji-Bello reiterated this hard stance at the expansive Buba Marwa Hall of the citadel of excellence while making her opening remark heralding the anti-GBV summit of the 2023 UNiTE Campaign under the theme: Invest To Prevent Violence Against Women And Girls. Read more
Ex-NUPENG Gen Secretary, Frank Kokori is dead (Vanguard)
The ex-General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori is dead.
He was 80 years old.
Chief Frank Kokori breathed his last at a kidney treatment hospital in Warri, Delta State, in the early hours of today, Thursday.
One of his aides, who confirmed the painful development to Vanguard, said he would want the family to formally break the news to the media. Read more
Tinubu mourns ‘‘brother’’ in June 12 struggle, Frank Kokori (Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the passage of Frank Kokori, former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, described Kokori as a foremost figure in the June 12 struggle.
The President condoled with his family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta state over the loss. Read more
FG decorates new CG immigration, 6 DCG, demands monitoring of Nigeria’s borders (Nation)
The federal government has demanded the close monitoring of the nation’s borders against foreign aliens following the decoration of the newly appointed Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mrs Adepoju Caroline Wura-Ola with her new rank.
The government said modern technological devices and other sophisticated gadgets should be deployed by the NIS to keep the country safe and secure.
Six newly appointed Deputy Comptrollers-General of the NIS were also decorated with their new ranks at an event attended by associates, family members, and top officers of the NIS. Read more
Adele says being a “white woman in music” has helped her career (HuffPost)
Adele says being a white woman has definitely helped her music career.
The singer acknowledged her privilege while offering advice to young women in a Hollywood Reporter interview published Thursday.
“More than anything, it’s just being yourself,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve been so lucky with my career — on top of the obvious of me being a white woman in music.” Read more
Former Sierra Leonean president called in for questioning over Nov 26 failed coup (AfricaNews)
Ernest Bai Koroma said that he would honour the police summons, and asked his supporters to be calm, according to a statement issued by his office.
Dozens of gunmen launched an attack on Nov. 26 in the West African nation’s capital during which they broke into Sierra Leone’s key armoury and into a prison where the majority of the more than 2,000 inmates were freed.
21 people died in the fighting including 18 members of the security, the information minister said. Read more
50 Cent drags Rick Ross ‘‘Molly’’ controversy into Diddy sexual assault drama (HipHopDX)
50 Cent has pulled two of his feuds together by taking aim at Rick Ross while continuing to target Diddy over his sexual assault allegations.
In recent weeks, 50 has repeatedly trolled and taunted Puff over his mounting sexual assault lawsuits, all of which he has vehemently denied.
Now, the G-Unit general has dragged Rozay into the conflict by rehashing one of the Maybach Music Group boss’ most controversial lyrics. Read more
Enrique Iglesias says his 3 kids are beginning to realize their dad is a pop star (People)
Enrique Iglesias’ kids may not have seen him in concert yet, but they’re quickly learning that their dad is a pop star.
While speaking with Today earlier this week, the singer, 48, revealed that his three kids — daughter Mary, 3, and twins Nicholas and Lucy, 5 — haven’t attended any of his shows yet but are just now realizing that their dad is a big deal. Iglesias shares his three kids with his longtime partner Anna Kournikova.
“My son, when he saw me at rehearsal, it was like, ‘What?!'” Iglesias told the outlet. “Because he’s seen a lot of music videos and videos on stage of me performing, but to be able to see it in person, the production and lights, it’s like, ‘Oh my God.’” Read more
Rob Reiner, Jimmy Kimmel and more pay tribute to Norman Lear after his death (NYPost)
Stars are paying tribute to Norman Lear following his death at 101.
The iconic TV sitcom and movie producer, who created shows such as All in the Family, Maude and The Jeffersons died at his Los Angeles home Tuesday of natural causes.
All in the Family star Rob Reiner reacted to the news of his
“second father,” writing: “I loved Norman Lear with all my heart … Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family.” Read more
Benjamin Zephaniah, British poet and campaigner, dies aged 65 (Guardian)
Benjamin Zephaniah, the British poet whose work often addressed political injustice, has died aged 65.
Zephaniah died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago, a post on his Instagram page stated.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed,” the post read. “We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much. Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy”. Read more
Russia school shooting: Teenage girl kills classmate and herself (BBC)
A teenage girl has shot and killed a fellow pupil in a school in western Russia before shooting herself.
The attack happened in the city of Bryansk, close to the Ukrainian and Belarusian borders, on Thursday morning.
Five people were injured in the shooting, one of them seriously, Russian authorities said.
The gun used by the girl was registered in her father’s name, a parliamentarian said. Read more
Osimhen, Oshoala make final 3-man list for CAF Player of the Year (Vanguard)
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshola have been named in the CAF Player of the Year final three-man list for the men and women categories, respectively.
Osimhen was instrumental to Napoli’s success last season, as the club won Serie A for the first time in 33 years. Osimhen also won the Golden Boot, scoring 26 goals and becoming the highest-scoring African in the league. He was also named the best striker in the league.
Oshoala, who is the reigning Africa women’s player of the year, scored 21 goals in just 28 games to lead FC Barcelona to the 2022/23 Spanish League title and was the Spanish club’s top scorer with 27 goals in all competitions. The 28-year-old was instrumental as Barcelona retained their domestic title and won the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Read more
Sunshine Stars attacked by suspected hoodlums (DailyTrust)
Sunshine Stars of Akure were reportedly attacked yesterday by suspected hoodlums on their way to Benin City for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 13 match with Bendel Insurance.
The ‘Akure gunners’ who were attacked along the Ore-Benin Expressway had their ball boy shot in the unfortunate incident while their Team Manager and other club officials including players sustained injuries.
The Media Officer of the club, Michael Akintunde, said “It saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians, especially football lovers that our team was attacked a few minutes ago (yesterday) along Ore-Benin expressway to honor an Elite League tie against Insurance of Benin, scheduled for this weekend. Read more
Santos relegated for first time in 111-year history (BBC)
Santos, Brazil legend Pele’s former club, have been relegated for the first time in their 111-year history.
A 2-1 home defeat by Fortaleza in their final league match of the season meant they dropped out of Serie A, Brazil’s top flight.
Santos won 12 state titles, six league titles and two Copas Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s. Read more
Pep Guardiola: Man City are struggling, it’s my job to find a way to win (Sky)
Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City are currently “struggling” after their 1-0 loss at Aston Villa on Wednesday night left the Premier League champions winless in their last four league matches, down in fourth place and six points off the pace of leaders Arsenal.
Leon Bailey’s deflected strike earned Villa a deserved 1-0 win over City, while also maintaining their perfect home record this season, and Guardiola said the credit belonged to Unai Emery’s team on the night, but admitted he had much to think about to get their title defence back on track.
“The better team won,” Guardiola said. “Aston Villa was better than us. We struggled. It was really difficult. They are well organised, fast and physical players, they are able to control many aspects. That is the reason why they are up there. They played good football and we could not do it. Read more
Old-aged boxer, 58, brutally KO’d in under a minute by fighter 25 years younger (Mirror)
A 58-year-old boxer was brutally knocked out in less than a minute during his first professional boxing bout.
Scott England made the walk to fight Jashawn Hunter, who is 25 years his junior, on Tuesday night at a regional boxing event in Nashville, Tennessee. England threw out a few jabs as the fight started and he did land on the chin of Hunter, but the bout took a turn for the worst just moments later.
England missed a one-two combination and Hunter came back with one of his own that staggered his rival. Hunter landed another right hand for good measure as England fell backwards and his head slammed off of the canvas. The fight should have been waved off but England was allowed to continue as he somehow managed to beat the 10-count. Read more
Toni Nadal makes Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz admission as he assesses Rafael Nadal hopes (Tennis365)
Toni Nadal has declared he still believes Rafael Nadal can win the French Open but admitted it will be “very difficult” for his nephew to defeat Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz.
The legendary coach said he is “always positive” about Nadal’s chances and believes he will have an opportunity to triumph at Roland Garros once again if healthy.
The Mallorcan coached his nephew from his childhood until 2017, helping Nadal win 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. He is the director of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca and has also been working with current world No 29 Felix Auger-Aliassime since 2021. Read more